Report Wire

Category: Technology

  • Himachal Horror: Man Loses Rs 5.34 Lakh To Cyber ​​Thugs In Hamirpur |

    New Delhi: As cyber frauds reach alarming heights, a local resident became the latest victim when scammers posing as cyber police officials threatened him with arrest. They falsely claimed his Aadhaar card was being used in illegal activities, officials reported on Saturday.

    How did the fraud begin?

    Bal Chand Rajput, a resident of Galod in Hamirpur district received a call on July 23 from someone claiming to be a FedEx Courier Service employee, reported PTI. The caller informed him that an illegal parcel bound for Taiwan had been seized by the Customs Department and his Aadhaar card had been used to make the shipping payment of Rs 15,250. Rajput filed his complaint on July 26.

    Fraudsters pose as DCP Crime Branch

    Shortly after, Rajput received another call on WhatsApp from someone claiming to be the DCP Crime Branch. The caller informed him that his Aadhaar card had been used in 18 different accounts linked to underworld and ‘hawala’ businesses, Rajput added in his complaint.

    Rajput Transfers Rs 5.34 Lakh to Scammers

    The caller also told Rajput that CBI and RBI officials would investigate all his accounts and that if any evidence of illegal activities was found, he could face seven to nine years of imprisonment. Fearing arrest, Rajput transferred Rs 5.34 lakh to the account shared by the fraudsters over the phone call, according to his complaint.

    Amount Refunded Within Five Days

    Superintendent of Police (SP) Hamirpur Bhagat Singh said the cyber crime cell acted on Rajput’s complaint and successfully had the amount refunded to his account within five days. “The police immediately froze the accounts in which the money was deposited and further transferred, and in three days presented a copy of the complaint on the cyber portal in the court, following which the court issued an order for the release of the money on August 1,” SP Singh said, as quoted by PTI.

    Ongoing investigations

    “I was duped by being threatened with drugs, ‘hawala,’ and underworld connections, but thanks to the prompt action of the police, I have received my money back,” Rathore said. Further investigations into the matter are ongoing, Singh added.

  • Facing Mobile Network Issue? Soon, Telcos To Pay You Back For Service Outages |

    NEW DELHI: Telecom operators will have to compensate subscribers in case of service outages for more than 24 hours at a district level under the new quality of service rules issued by the sector regulator Trai on Friday. The Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (Trai) has also increased the penal amount to Rs 1 lakh from Rs 50,000 for failing to meet each quality benchmark under the new rules.

    The regulator has introduced a graded penalty system of Rs 1 lakh, Rs 2 lakh, Rs 5 lakh and Rs 10 lakh for different scales of rule violations under revised regulations –“The Standards of Quality of Service of Access (Wirelines and Wireless) and Broadband (Wireline and Wireless) Service Regulations, 2024”.

    The new norms supersede three different regulations — Quality of Service (QoS) for basic and cellular mobile services, broadband services, and broadband wireless services. In case of a network outage in a district, telecom operators will need to provide a rebate on rent for postpaid customers and extend the validity of connection for pre-paid customers as per the new rules.

    “If any such significant network outage continues for more than 24 hours, the service provider shall provide a proportional rent rebate, as per subscribed tariff offering, for the actual number of days of service outage to postpaid subscribers registered in the affected district(s) in the next billing cycle,” Trai said.

    The regulator will count network outage duration of more than 12 hours in a calendar day as one full day for the calculation of rent rebate or extension of validity. “Rent rebate to postpaid customer or validity extension to prepaid customer, due delay in rectification of faults or due to significant network outage of more than 24 hours, as applicable, shall be made within one week of rectification of significant network outage,” the new norms said.

    However, outages due to natural calamity will not be considered for the extension of validity. Even fixed-line service providers will have to compensate postpaid and prepaid customers if the fault in their network or service is fixed after three days. The new rule mandates broadband service providers to activate 98 per cent of connections within 7 days of customers making payment.

    Mobile service providers will need to provide service-wise (2G, 3G, 4G, 5G) geospatial coverage maps on their website that will help users. Trai’s new rules will come into force after six months.

  • BSNL 5G SIM First Look Wait Over: Viral Video Shows Unboxing Ahead Of Roll Out; Watch |

    The Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) is gearing up for a nationwide 5G rollout in the coming years after many delays. The public sector enterprise has been working to test its infra for the 4G and 5G rollout. According to a report by the Voice of Indian Communication Technology Enterprises (VoICE), a group of indigenous telecom companies is also ready to offer 5G trials for public use using the BSNL infra. This industry group includes Tata Consultancy, Tejas Networks, VNL, United Telecom, Coral Telecom, and HFCL. They are set to conduct 5G trials using the BSNL network.

    The government has allocated spectrum bands of 700MHz, 2200MHz, 3300MHz, and 26GHz to BSNL. With this spectrum, BSNL will provide 4G and 5G networks across the country.

    Amid this, a video has gone viral purportedly from a BSNL office in Maharashtra in which the employees can be seen unboxing the sim pocket. In the viral video, the BSNL SIMs can be seen with the 5G logo. While it’s not clear whether these SIMs are testing SIM cards or for the public rollout the company is yet to start 5G and 4G services. Zee News has not verified the video independently. It can be seen that 5G ready is written on the SIM. This means, these SIM cards are capable of supporting 5G connectivity as and when the BSNL rolls out faster internet services.

    BSNL has started selling 5G SIM pic.twitter.com/LBftGZJVag — ashokdanoda (@ashokdanoda) July 31, 2024

    The 5G trials will take place at popular spots in Delhi, Bangalore, and Chennai. The specific locations include the Sarkari Indoor Office in Bengaluru, Sarkari Office in Bengaluru, multiple centers in Delhi like Sanchar Bhawan, Connaught Place, JNU Campus and IIT Delhi, India Habitat Center in Delhi, selected locations in Gurugram and IIT Hyderabad.

  • Google Pixel 8, Pixel 8 Pro Receive Massive Discount On Flipkart Ahead Of Pixel 9 Series Launch |

    New Delhi: Google has given a massive discount on the Pixel 8 and Pixel 8 Pro models on Flipkart in India. The tech giant has announced this huge discount after announcing the launch date of the Google Pixel 9 series in the country.

    Discount on Google Pixel 8:

    The e-commerce giant is selling the smartphone Pixel 8 with a starting price tag of Rs 61,999 for the 8GB+128GB storage model. This price is down from its original price tag of Rs 75,999. There is also an extra Rs 4,000 discount on ICICI bank credit and debit card transactions.

    This means that users are getting a flat Rs 18,000 discount, which effectively drops the price to Rs 57,999. Notably, consumers can also opt for an exchange offers as well.

    Discount on Google Pixel 8 Pro:

    The smartphone is now priced at Rs 98,999, down from its original price of Rs 1,06,999, indicating a flat discount of Rs 8,000 from Flipkart on the Pixel 8 Pro.

    Adding further, there’s an extra Rs 10,000 discount on ICICI bank credit and debit card transactions, reducing the effective price to Rs 88,999. In total, consumers benefit from a discount of Rs 18,000, which includes both the flat discount and the bank offer.

    Google Pixel 9 Series India Launch

    To recall, the tech giant is set to launch its flagship Google Pixel 9 series during the company’s Made By Google Event, scheduled for August 13, at 10:30 PM IST. The Google Pixel 9 series is expected to arrive with next-generation mobile artificial intelligence (AI) features. The series includes 4 devices, Pixel 9, Pixel 9 Pro, Pixel 9 Fold, and Pixel 9 Pro XL.

    Google will reportedly promise seven years of security updates for the Pixel 9 series, ensuring long-term protection against malware and phishing attacks. Adding further, the Emergency SOS feature will provide real-time alerts for nearby fires and floods.

  • POCO M6 Plus 5G India Launch Date Confirmed, Could Debut With 108MP Dual Camera; Check Expected Specs |

    POCO India Launch: POCO has announced the launch of the POCO M6 Plus 5G smartphone on August 1 in the Indian market. The company is set to launch this phone after the release of the POCO M6 5G and POCO M6 Pro 5G.

    It is expected to offer in misty lavender, ice silver, or classic graphite black color options. POCO fans can watch the live launch of POCO M6 Plus on the company’s official

    POCO M6 Plus 5G Design (Expected)

    The smartphone is all about premium vibes. It features the segment’s only dual-sided glass and stylish ring flash design. With an 8.32 mm profile, corning gorilla glass 3 protection on the display, and an IP53 rating for water and dust resistance, the POCO M6 Plus 5G ensures both elegance and durability.

    POCO M6 Plus 5G Specifications (Expected)

    The device offers the largest display ever on a 5G phone–a stunning 6.79-inch FHD+ display with 120Hz adaptive sync that brings everything to life. It is powered by the Qualcomm Snapdragon 4 Gen 2 AE processor. Moreover, the device comes with a fast-side fingerprint sensor that seamlessly blends security and convenience.

    It also houses the segment’s only 108MP dual rear camera system on a 5G phone. The 9-in-1 pixel binning technology on the smartphone will further enhance image quality, while the 13MP front camera is selfie-ready.

    Low light? No problem. The M6 ​​Plus laughs in the face of darkness. The device comes with an impressive AnTuTu benchmark score of approximately 460K and up to 16GB of RAM, including 8GB of virtual RAM, for effortless multitasking and a buttery-smooth user experience.

    The POCO M6 Plus 5G runs on Xiaomi HyperOS making it the first smartphone in the POCO M series to feature this innovative software out-of-the-box, along with Android 14. (With Inputs From IANS)

  • Tech Showdown: Google Pixel 9 Vs iPhone 16; What New AI Features To Expect From Anticipated Smartphones? ,

    Google Pixel 9 Vs iPhone 16: The tech world is abuzz with excitement and curiosity as two of the most anticipated smartphones of 2024 prepare to go head-to-head: the Google Pixel 9 and the iPhone 16. Both devices are expected to promise groundbreaking. AI features and performance enhancements that aim to push the boundaries of what a new generation of smartphones can do.

    Let’s have a quick look at the much-anticipated smartphones equipped with AI features

    Google Pixel 9 AI Features (Expected)

    The Pixel 9 series is expected to be loaded with AI features including Gemini AI and Circle to Search. The Magic Editor reportedly accepts text prompts for more intuitive image editing, and the “Add Me” feature allows you to insert yourself into group photos even if you weren’t originally there.

    Adding further, the Circle to Search feature will enhance search capabilities, and the Pixel Screenshots feature will make it easier for users to save and find information from their screenshots. Pixel 9 users are also expected to gain access to Pixel Drops, a platform providing exclusive features and enhancements.

    iPhone 16 AI Features (Expected)

    Apple plans to introduce Apple Intelligence through software updates by October, a few weeks after releasing iOS 18 and iPadOS 18, according to reports. Meanwhile, Apple will let developers test Apple Intelligence early, starting this week, through iOS 18.1 and iPadOS 18.1 betas.

    This delay means the first iPhone 16 models sold might not have the new AI features right away; Users will need a software update a few weeks after purchasing. Apple Intelligence includes features like better notification prioritization, web page and voice note summaries, improved writing tools, a revamped Siri, and integration with OpenAI’s ChatGPT.

    Google Pixel 9 Specifications (Expected)

    The upcoming smartphone is expected to feature a 6.3-inch display with a resolution of 1080 x 2400 pixels and a 120 Hz refresh rate, complemented by a punch-hole design. It could be Powered by the Google Tensor 4 octa-core processor. The device is expected to be loaded with a 5000 mAh battery that supports 45W fast charging.

    For Connectivity, the smartphone could support dual SIM, 3G, 4G, 5G, VoLTE, Vo5G, Wi-Fi, and NFC. It will come with 12 GB of RAM and 256 GB of inbuilt storage. For photography, there is a dual rear camera setup with two 50 MP sensors and a 10.5 MP front camera. The smartphone will run on Android v14.

    iPhone 16 Specifications (Expected)

    The premium smartphone could sport a 6.1-inch OLED screen and offers a 120Hz refresh rate with micro-lens technology, according to MacRumors report. Under the hood, the model could use an A18 chipset and an upgraded Neural Engine for generative AI tasks in iOS 18. The iPhone 16 is expected to support Apple Intelligence features, rolling out in beta this fall. It might come with 8GB of RAM and up to 512GB of storage. In terms of optics, it could feature a 48MP + 12MP rear camera setup and a 12MP selfie lens.

    The rear cameras might be vertically aligned in a pill-shaped bump to enable Spatial Video recording support. The phone could be equipped with a 3,561mAh battery that supports both wired and wireless charging.

    Adding further, the iPhone 16 may feature an enhanced graphene thermal system. Other notable highlights include Wi-Fi 7, an Action Button, and a new ‘Capture Button’ designed to unlock various photo and video shooting capabilities. According to Apple analyst Ming-Chi Kuo, the iPhone 16 will likely be available in black, green, pink, blue, and white, with no purple or yellow options.

  • ‘AI Will Be Of More Value To Us Than We Imagined’: Anand Mahindra |

    New Delhi: Mahindra Group Chairman Anand Mahindra has said “Artificial intelligence (AI) will be of more value to us than we imagined”. He said this citing a research that showed AI can detect breast cancer five years before it develops.

    “If this is accurate, then AI is going to be of significantly more value to us than we imagined and much earlier than we had imagined…,” said Anand Mahindra in a post on X.com.

    If this is accurate, then AI is going to be of significantly more value to us than we imagined and much earlier than we had imagined… https://t.co/5Mo2cT7X7T — anand mahindra (@anandmahindra) July 28, 2024

    Several studies show the potential of AI in the early detection of cancers. Advanced technology is also paving the way for the development of new drugs to predict the treatment outcome and prognosis.

    Recently, a team of researchers from Duke University in the US developed a new, interpretable artificial intelligence (AI) model to predict 5-year breast cancer risk from mammograms. Another study, published in the journal Radiology, showed AI algorithms outperformed the standard clinical risk model for predicting the five-year risk for breast cancer.

    Biopsy, histological examinations under microscopes, and imaging tests such as MRI, CT, and PET scans are traditional approaches to diagnosing cancer. While the interpretation of these tests is likely to vary among professionals, AI systems, especially those using deep learning techniques, can analyze medical images with staggering accuracy.

    It can also detect minute anomalies often missed by the human eye, reducing false negatives. It can also aid in early detection which can boost treatment outcomes. It can also boost the growth of personalized medicine.

    Vineet Nakra, a radiation oncologist at Max Super Specialty Hospital, told IANS that AI is helping pathologists diagnose cancer much faster and paving the way for doctors to make personalized and patient-centric cancer care.

  • Vistara Announces In-Flight WiFi: Know How Much You Will Have To Pay For Using WhatsApp, Facebook And Video Streaming? ,

    New Delhi: Vistara has offered 20 minutes of complimentary Wi-Fi internet connectivity on its international flights. The complimentary Wi-Fi access enables customers to stay connected and is ideal for those who wish to purchase extended Wi-Fi plans using Indian credit or debit cards. The service allows customers to receive one-time passwords via email, facilitating the purchase of extended in-flight Wi-Fi services during the active session.

    Vistara’s internet connectivity plan for international flights includes a free chat facility for all Club Vistara members, regardless of tier or cabin, throughout the flight. For non-members, unlimited messaging on apps like WhatsApp and Facebook Messenger costs Rs 372.74 plus GST. To surf the internet onboard, the airline charges Rs 1577.54 plus GST, which includes embedded audio and video streaming for social media and web content. For Rs 2707.04 plus GST, customers receive unlimited data, enabling all streaming protocols.

    It is important to note that these services are available on flights operated by its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner and Airbus A321neo aircraft, across all cabin classes, claims the company.

    Vistara, a joint venture between the Tata Group and Singapore Airlines, is the first Indian airline to offer this feature.

    “At Vistara, we are committed to constantly enhancing the experience of our customers. We are, yet again, delighted to lead the way and become the first Indian airline to offer complimentary Wi-Fi on international flights across all cabins. We are confident that customers will appreciate this value addition that aims to make their Vistara journey more convenient, productive, and seamless,” said Deepak Rajawat, Chief Commercial Officer, Vistara. (With inputs from ANI)

  • iPhone 17 Slim: Apple May Replace Plus Models With Sleeker Design, Single Camera |

    iPhone 17 Slim: Apple is rumored to be making a big change to its iPhone lineup next year. Instead of the current Plus models, the company is planning to introduce a slimmer version of the devices which will possibly be called the iPhone 17 slim. These new models are expected to feature a sleek, thin design similar to Apple’s latest iPad Pro which are known for being the thinnest tablets the company has ever made.

    According to Ming-Chi Kuo, a well-known industry analyst the iPhone Plus models aren’t very popular and make up only about 5-10% of iPhone shipments. This low demand is why Apple might be planning to discontinue them.

    However, there’s an interesting twist to this change. According to Kuo, the iPhone 17 slim will have just a single rear camera which is unusual since most smartphones now feature more complex camera systems. Kuo thinks Apple is focusing more on a sleek, innovative design rather than trying to compete with other brands on hardware specs with this model.

    Rumored Specs

    – Screen: 6.6” with 1260×2740 resolution

    – Processor: A19 chip

    – Feature: Dynamic Island, similar to current iPhones

    – Frame: Metal made from titanium alloy (lower grade than current Pro models)

    Apple’s new devices are also expected to come with the long-awaited 5G chip and a single rear camera.

  • Noida Doctor Loses Rs 59 Lakh In 48-Hour ‘Digital Arrest’ Scam |

    New Delhi: A woman doctor from Noida recently lost Rs 59 lakh after falling victim to a scam involving a fake ‘digital arrest’ that lasted 48 hours. This alarming scam tactic which is becoming more common in the Delhi NCR region tricks individuals into believing they’re under digital arrest, leading them to make large payments to escape the supposed legal trouble.

    Dr. Pooja Goyal, a gynecologist, reported that the scam occurred between July 15 and 16. She has since filed a complaint with the Noida Cyber ​​Crime Police Station.

    Fraudster poses as TRAI official

    Dr. Goyal in her complaint explained that she received a call on July 13 from someone pretending to be an official from the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). The caller claimed that her phone was being used to distribute pornographic videos.

    Victim Transfers Rs 59.54 Lakh

    Dr. Goyal denied the allegations but the caller convinced her to join a video call where he informed her she was under ‘digital arrest.’ After 48 hours of being questioned she finally transferred Rs 59.54 lakh to an account as instructed by the caller. However, she later realized that she had been scammed and filed a complaint with Noida Police on July 22.

    Police Confirm Action Will Be Taken

    Assistant Commissioner of Police (Cybercrime) Vivek Ranjan Rai confirmed they have the account details where the money was sent. He mentioned, “We are verifying the details, and action will be taken”, as reported by NDTV.

    Noida Police Issues Scam Warning

    Noida Police issued a warning about these types of scams. According to the advisory, “In recent months, around ten such incidents have been reported, leading to registered FIRs and ongoing investigations,”

    Advisory Urges Reporting Suspicious Calls

    The advisory further stated “If a suspicious call claims that legal action is being taken or asks for personal or financial information, citizens should immediately report it to the nearest police station or cyber cell,”.

    What is Digital house arrest?

    Digital house arrest is a tactic where cybercriminals confine victims to their homes to scam them. Offenders generate fear by making audio or video calls, frequently posing as law enforcement officers using AI-generated voices or video technology.